Spanish retailer Mercadona has announced that it is investing an additional €4 million this year to provide more sustainable transport solutions in its logistics network.
The supermarket-operator plans to spend this money on 40 new trucks that are powered by natural gas, which will service its stores in the cities of Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia.
These will be added to the seven natural gas vehicles that the retailer acquired last year.
Mercadona says that this investment responds to its commitment to sustainability, by reducing emissions and improving air quality with a more environmentally-friendly logistics fleet.
The company has already introduced smaller vans that are powered by natural gas, and is currently testing electric vans.
In addition, it has been developing ways to optimise the load of vehicles, in an effort to reduce the number of trips that are needed, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Mercadona says that 92% of its vehicle fleet now 'complies with the most stringent emissions standards'.
Promoting Efficiency
As part of its corporate social responsibility plans, Mercadona has been working to promote environmental sustainability in both its logistics operations and its store network.
The retailer has been expanding its new 'efficient' store model across the country, and invested €180 million to refurbish over 100 of its stores last year.
The updated stores are meant to reduce energy consumption through better insulation, more energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and automated LED lighting systems that are regulated according to the time of day and the area of the store.
© 2018 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Sarah Harford. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
